The Asher House: A Salem Sanctuary Built on Second Chances

 

It was finally here. The first Patreon retreat with Lee Asher of the Asher House and of course all the dogs. As I walked closer, you could hear the hum of excitement and feel the buzz of electricity. There were so many people, all women. I took a breath and walked in. An adorable lady mid 70’s walked right up and said hello by giving me a big hug. She had a sparkle in her eye and the biggest smile. Her name was Ms. Joan. Just sunshine in human form. We talked for a bit and I thought wow this might not be so bad. As I walked further into the room, the same thing happened with the next lady then the next. It was pure happiness. All these wonderful women came together from all over the world for the love of dogs and rescue. No hate, no mean words, no back talk. Just pure love and light. Now let me tell you about the Asher House.

Salem, Oregon — Tucked away in the forests of Oregon, The Asher House is more than an animal sanctuary. It is a refuge for dogs that have been abandoned, neglected, or overlooked and a place where compassion guides every decision.

The Asher House was founded by Lee Asher in 2017 after he left his corporate job to focus full-time on animal rescue and adoption advocacy. What began as a mission to promote shelter pet adoption in an RV through cross-country travel with rescued dogs, eventually grew into a large animal sanctuary in Oregon.

Today, the sanctuary spans 240 acres and provides a permanent home for dogs, cats, horses, pigs, cows, and other rescued animals, while continuing to inspire millions of followers through social media and animal welfare outreach. While millions of people follow the sanctuary online, few have seen what happens behind the scenes. I have been lucky enough to experience it twice.

“People have no idea how big this operation really is,” Asher said in a recent social media post. “No idea how much work goes into caring for these animals every single day.”

Many animals arrive with behavioral or medical challenges that make adoption difficult. Rather than giving up on them, The Asher House provides a safe environment where animals can heal, socialize, and live comfortably.

Although the sanctuary is not open to the public, more than a thousand visitors, including donors, rescue partners, volunteers, and the Patreon community, have toured the property over the years. According to Asher, visitors are often surprised by the size of the operation and the dedication of the staff who care for the animals.

“This entire house, this entire property, our entire lifestyle is built around the animals,” Asher said.

Daily life at the sanctuary revolves around feeding, veterinary care, enrichment activities, training, and the famous pack walks that have become a hallmark of The Asher House.I have been lucky enough to join a pack walk and it is the best feeling in the world. Videos shared online often show dozens of dogs walking together peacefully, demonstrating the strong bonds that can form when animals are given patience, structure, and love.

The sanctuary continues to grow. Asher recently shared plans for future expansion, including a cat sanctuary, a larger wolf enclosure, a dedicated lunchroom for dogs, and other projects aimed at improving the lives of rescued animals. Lilly’s Lighthouse being one building just finished in 2025, dedicated and named after Lilly, a St. Bernard, one of the OG’s who passed the end of 2024. A place dogs can land to decompress and quarantine before being introduced to the Pack and adopted.

“We’re still just getting started,” Asher said while discussing his vision for the next five years.

Beyond animal rescue, The Asher House has become a source of inspiration for many followers. Asher frequently shares messages about perseverance, mental health, and kindness, drawing from his own experiences overcoming challenges. Earlier this year, he announced the completion of his first book, Saved by the Pack: How 50 Dogs Helped Me Find My Purpose, which is scheduled for release in September 2026.

Growing up in special education classes, Asher said he was often told he would never read or write. Publishing a book through National Geographic represents a milestone he once thought impossible.

“This book is more than my story,” Asher wrote. “It’s proof that with love, passion, and dedication, anything is possible.”

That message of hope is woven throughout The Asher House. Whether rescuing a dog from a shelter, expanding sanctuary facilities, or sharing encouragement with followers online, the organization's mission remains centered on compassion.

One of the most exciting times on the sanctuary is Rescue day!! Other rescues bring in dogs that were unadoptable or going to be euthanized.The get a second chance and freedom. Freedom is a word used daily and it speaks volumes.

Being on social media so much the Asher house has run into those keyboard haters. The people that can’t do so they hurt the ones that can. There are a handful of fake profiles trying to scam money and blame Lee. They try to cause problems and make things worse for the Ahser house even getting a commissioner on their side and now Lee can not adopt from a few local shelters. Due to this one commissioner, dogs that Lee could rescue are being put down due to hate and jealousy.

“I genuinely love this community so much,” Asher said. “What we’re building together is beautiful beyond words.”

“For Asher and his team of 75+ , success is measured not by the number of followers or views, but by the lives changed along the way," states Kelly Hill VP of operations. “Every rescued animal represents a second chance, and every day at The Asher House is another opportunity to lead with love.”

Kindness is power,” Sara, Lee’s fiancee says. “The people who choose compassion in difficult times are the ones who truly change the world.”

Asher believes that kindness is the foundation of everything they do.

I can attest to this by meeting the Asher house Patreons now for the last three years at the retreat. They come from all over the world. They support each other and remind me daily how loved my daughter and I are. One Patreon hurts, we all hurt and jump on board to help out. And I’m not talking about 10-20 people. We are a group now close to 250. From Oregon to Chicago, Canada to Florida and Australia to Germany, love knows and has no boundaries for this community. We were all brought together by one man with a mission to just save lives.

I could not be more excited for Lee and Sara as their wedding day approaches on 6-26-26. A small ceremony overlooking the sanctuary, with family, friends and of course the Pack. What more could they ask for.


Sources

The Asher House. (2025, February 5). Facebook post announcing Saved by the Pack: How 50 Dogs Helped Me Find My Purpose.

The Asher House. (2025, May 3). Facebook post discussing future sanctuary expansion plans.

The Asher House. (2025). Facebook posts and videos regarding sanctuary operations, animal care, and community outreach.


At a Glance: The Asher House

Location: Based in Oregon, with its primary sanctuary in Salem and its adoption-focused rescue, New Life Asher House, in Lebanon.

Mission: To improve the lives of animals through rescue, rehabilitation, adoption, sanctuary care, education, and advocacy while inspiring people to adopt rather than shop.

Animals: More than 250 animals, including dogs, cats, horses, pigs, cows, goats, sheep, llamas, alpacas, birds, and other rescued animals.

Sanctuary Size: Approximately 240 acres of fenced sanctuary land where animals can live safely and receive enrichment and care.

Why It Matters: What started as one man's dream to rescue dogs has grown into a nationally recognized sanctuary that gives abandoned, abused, and neglected animals a second chance while educating the public about animal welfare and adoption.

Website: Theasherhouse.com

The pack walk

Lee and I at the sanctuary

First Patreon bench

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Finding Family: The unexpected journey of one simple DNA test

For most of her life, Maria Collins was content with the family she knew. Adopted as an infant and raised by loving parents, she never felt a deep need to search for her biological parents. But a simple DNA test taken around her 40th birthday led to a discovery she never could have imagined: her biological father was Robbie Knievel, son of legendary daredevil Evel Knievel.

What began as curiosity quickly turned into a life-changing journey. Through a combination of prayer, persistence and modern technology, Collins connected with a father she never knew existed. Within days of confirming the connection, she heard from Robbie himself. The two spent the final years of his life building a relationship that neither expected but both treasured.

Collins' story matters because it challenges common assumptions about adoption and family. Her experience shows that discovering biological roots does not diminish the love of adoptive families. Instead, it can add new layers of understanding, healing and connection. Through her story, Collins offers a unique perspective on identity, forgiveness and the meaning of family.

Today, Maria continues to share her story with others interested in adoption and family connections. She works as a Hair stylist in a beautiful small town on the Oregon Coast with her husband, step sons and beautiful grandbabies. Maria said she and her family plan to attend the opening of the new Evel Knievel Museum/Experience in Las Vegas. The attraction, which relocated from Topeka, Kansas, celebrates the legacy of Evel Knievel through memorabilia, interactive exhibits and family history. For Maria, the event represents more than a museum opening—it is another opportunity to learn about her family's story and connect with relatives she never knew she had. She remains close with members of both her adoptive and biological families and is thankful for the unexpected journey that began with a simple DNA test.


1. When did you first learn that Robbie Knievel was your biological father?

The discovery happened unexpectedly after Collins completed a 23andMe DNA test that her adoptive mother had given her as a gift.

While exploring the DNA results during Thanksgiving, she noticed a relative with the last name Knievel. Curious about the connection, she began researching and enlisted the help of a friend who worked as a private investigator. After comparing information and family connections, the evidence pointed to an incredible possibility.

"My friend called me and said, 'If this is accurate, your dad would be Robbie Knievel, and your grandfather would be Evel Knievel,'" Collins said.

At first, she thought it had to be a mistake. The possibility seemed too unbelievable to be true. Within days, they contacted his management team and received confirmation that the connection was real.


2. What was going through your mind when you realized the connection might be real?

Collins describes the experience as surreal, almost impossible to believe.

She had spent years without searching for her biological family, and suddenly she was facing the possibility that her father was one of the most recognizable names in motorcycle stunt history.

She remembers laughing in disbelief and wondering if the discovery could possibly be accurate.

"I thought, you've got to be kidding me," she said.

She remembers feeling shocked, excited and overwhelmed all at once. While the discovery brought many questions, it also gave her an opportunity she never expected—the chance to meet her biological father.


3. How did Robbie react when he learned about you?

According to Collins, Robbie's response was welcoming.

After receiving a message through his management team, he quickly confirmed that he believed he was her father. Rather than hesitation or doubt, she was met with enthusiasm and a desire to build a relationship.

"He said, 'Yes, that was my high school sweetheart. We definitely had a kid,'" Collins recalled.

Within days, they were talking and making plans to meet in person.

Robbie traveled to meet her shortly after they made contact, and she quickly realized they shared many personality traits and mannerisms. She described feeling comfortable around him right away. Rather than focusing on his fame, she saw him as a father who genuinely wanted to know his daughter and make up for lost time.


4. What was it like meeting your father for the first time?

Collins met Robbie in January, and the connection was immediate. Maria said she was surprised by how down-to-earth Robbie was.

Years of unanswered questions seemed to disappear as they began getting to know each other. Rather than feeling like strangers, Collins said they shared similar personalities, mannerisms and even physical traits.

"We could understand each other just by looking at each other," she said.

Despite his reputation as a famous stunt performer, he didn’t talk about his accomplishments. Instead, he focused on family and relationships. She described him as kind, thoughtful and deeply interested in learning about her life, her husband and the family she grew up with.

The experience reinforced something she had never expected: that family connections can sometimes be felt long before they are fully understood.


5. What memories with your father mean the most to you?

Although they only had three years together before Robbie's death in 2023, Collins says they packed a lifetime of memories into that time.

One of her favorite experiences was traveling with him to Butte, Montana, where generations of the Knievel family have roots and the family history began.. Robbie showed her the places he rode motorcycles as a child and shared stories from his youth.

"He showed me all the places he used to ride when he was a kid," Collins said.

She said seeing his hometown through his eyes helped her understand him better and gave her a deeper appreciation for her family's history. She also treasures the simple moments—road trips, meals, conversations and getting to know the man behind the famous name.

One of the most meaningful experiences now after he is gone, Maria shared, was finding feathers during significant moments in her life. What might seem ordinary to others became powerful symbols for her. The feathers served as reminders that she was supported, guided, and moving in the right direction. These experiences strengthened her sense of identity and spirituality, helping her trust herself and embrace her journey with confidence. She could be having a bad day and see a feather and just smile and know he was looking down on her.


6. Did you discover similarities between yourself and your father?

Absolutely.

Collins said she was surprised by how many similarities emerged once they met. Family members pointed out physical features they shared, and she noticed personality traits that felt familiar.

Her adoptive mother even remarked on how much she resembled Robbie after seeing photographs of them together.

"I always thought I had my birth mom's nose, and then I started seeing all these similarities," Collins said.

Beyond appearance, she believes they shared a sense of humor, adventurous spirit and emotional sensitivity.

Maria remarks she is Robbie's only child that rides motorcycles.


7. How did your adoptive family react to the discovery?

Maria said her adoptive family was incredibly supportive. Her mother, who raised her, remained one of the most important people in her life.

One of Maria's most emotional memories involved seeing her adoptive mother and Robbie meet. She recalled the genuine gratitude he showed toward the family that raised her, creating a powerful moment that demonstrated how love and family can exist in many forms.


8. How has adoption shaped the way you view family?

Maria believes adoption gave her the best of both worlds. She was raised by loving parents who provided a stable home and strong values, while later discovering a biological family that welcomed her with open arms. She said she does not regret her adoption and would not trade the life she had.

"I really feel like I had the best of both worlds," Maria said. "I'm grateful for the heritage that I had and the legacy my father created, but I'm also grateful for the parents who raised me and the person I've become because of them."

She explained that family is much more than genetics. The people who love, support and guide you throughout life are just as important as biological connections.


9. Did meeting your father bring healing to your life?

Maria believes meeting Robbie Knievel helped fill a void that neither of them fully understood existed.

Although they only had a few years together, she feels the relationship brought healing to both of them.

"I'm grateful that we got the time we did," she said. "I think it healed both of us."

She explained that many people assume adoptees spend their lives searching for answers, but her experience was less about finding what was missing and more about gaining an unexpected blessing. She feels fortunate that she had the opportunity to know her father before he passed away and to build relationships with siblings and extended family members she never knew existed.


10. What message would you share with others who are considering searching for their biological families?

Maria encourages people to keep an open mind and remember that every adoption story is different. While some reunions may be difficult, others can create meaningful relationships and answers.

She hopes people understand that discovering a biological family does not diminish the love of adoptive families. Instead, it can expand a person's understanding of who they are.

"You get the genetics from one family and the values from another," she said. "It's all part of who you become."

Today, Maria continues to share her story with others.. She remains close with members of both her adoptive and biological families and is thankful for the unexpected journey that began with a simple DNA test.

At a Glance: Maria Collins

Occupation: Hairstylist
Hometown: Bend, Oregon
Current Residence: Waldport, Oregon
Known For: Discovering she was the daughter of Robbie Knievel through DNA testing
Family: Married; stepmother to three sons; grandmother to grandchildren
Hobbies: Motorcycles, camping, fishing, golfing and outdoor adventures
Life-Changing Moment: Connecting with Robbie Knievel after a 23andMe DNA test
Favorite Memory with Robbie: Exploring Butte, Montana, and learning about his childhood
Special Reminder of Her Father: Finding feathers and watching eagles, which she considers signs from him
Message to Others: Family is built through both love and connection, and every adoption story is unique.